- Wall, Kayla N.
Summary
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quitman County Extension embraced the use of technology and social media to continue to offer valuable Extension programming to citizens of Quitman County. With the use of social media as the platform for program dissemination, many others from Georgia and nationwide were able to take part in the programs whether they were live virtual programs or were viewed at a later time. With the use of technology-based programming, Quitman County Extension was able to reach longtime, faithful program attendees while opening the virtual doors to new audiences through online programs.
Situation
The COVID-19 pandemic stopped the transfer of vital information to Georgia citizens. While virtual education was the only option, the agent lacked the tools and training needed to implement this format. This included programs such as a home food preservation series, the organization of the Georgia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, weekly live food demonstrations, and a diabetes prevention program.
Response
During the time that Extension was quarantined, the Agent was able to adapt all upcoming in person programs to virtual programs. The Quitman County Extension Agent utilized her own home kitchen and garden to produce food videos that were published through YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The food videos were designed to be relevant to the current times and to teach skills related to home food preservation as well as using items already found in the pantry to reduce the amount of times one would have to go to the grocery store. Along with educating on food preservation, the agent conducted Chick School, a virtual embryology lesson to engage youth in Georgia and nationwide for 21 days.
Impact
The initial videos sparked several series of videos to be produced which included Tasteful Tuesday, Home Food Preservation Series, and So Easy to Preserve Series. Tasteful Tuesday was performed weekly via Facebook Live. Tasteful Tuesday gained 13,045 views over the course of 20 videos. A multi county Home Food Preservation Series was started where agents from Quitman, Burke and Washington Counties demonstrated home food preservation methods. With 8 episodes produced via Zoom and Facebook, 10,225 contacts were made. 40 one-minute home food preservation videos based on recipes from So Easy to Preserve were produced and distributed through Facebook and Instagram. Through the So Easy to Preserve series, a total of 42,872 contacts were reached through social media. Through Chick School, Wall coordinated 21 lessons that were used in home school groups and classrooms (in person and virtual) to each life cycles. Chick School caught attention from 98 class groups on the East and West Coast with a total of 2,450 participants. With the success of the virtual programming, Quitman County Extension has been able to work with their local government to expand their facilities with plans for the addition of a kitchen to do more food demonstration classes in person. Along with the facility additions, the agent has been able to educate other Extension offices on technology and work with other County Extension Coordinators and other Extension leaders on purchasing video equipment for offices that can be used across all program areas. These efforts have led to many more virtual programs being offered across the state and a larger, new audience is being reached. The agent noticed that many of those who she interreacted with through her social media platforms were unaware of all the aspects of Extension and what Extension offers. This opened doors for educating others on the mission of Extension and increase our reach.
State Issue
Other Programming
Details
- Year: 2020
- Geographic Scope: County
- County: Quitman
- Location: College Station, Athens
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Program Areas:
- 4-H Youth
- Family and Consumer Sciences